Damageplan Tragedy Update

NEW YORK (Atlantic Records) - As has been widely reported in the media, Elektra/Atlantic recording group Damageplan suffered a horrible tragedy at their show in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday night. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed, as was the band?s head of security, Jeffrey 'Mayhem' Thompson, an employee of the club, Erin Halk, and a member of the audience, Nathan Bray. Chris Paluska, a member of the band?s management team who was serving as tour manager, was shot and is in critical but stable condition. John 'Kat' Brooks, the band?s drum tech, was also shot and is being released from the hospital today.

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Damageplan made the following statements today:

'With all his greatness and accomplishments on the guitar, DIME will be missed more for his giving personality, charisma, caring for others, love and most of all his HEART!! Twice as big as the state of TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!! DIME gave it all everyday to each and every one of us and our lives have forever been hollowed without him...Thanks to all of you for reaching out to us in this time of our immeasurable loss. REST IN PEACE BROTHER DIME!!!!!!'
- Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul, brother of Dimebag Darrell


'Jeffrey 'Mayhem' Thompson was not just a true part of the Damageplan family, but part of the whole Dallas music scene. He was friend to all, with a great personality. He bent over backward to help us all with his trademark phrases like 'What can I do for you sir?' and 'Coming up!' He also stated his willingness to protect us, saying 'I'd take a bullet for ya,' and unfortunately did in defense of our lives. He truly lived and died for his friends and made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to save ours. For this we will never forget. You will be missed big man.'
- the Damageplan family
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Atlantic Records issued the following statement:

'We are shocked and saddened by these horrible and senseless shootings. This is a tragic event for the music community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the surviving members of Damageplan and their crew. Dimebag Darrell was an exceptional musician and an extraordinary person. Along with his brother and bandmate, Vinnie Paul, he was a member of the Elektra/Atlantic family for the past 14 years, and he will be deeply missed. The bravery displayed by Damageplan, their crew, their fans, and the local police will never be forgotten.'